At this time last year, nobody realized how important it would be for the Seahawks to draft Russell Wilson. Or that Jacoby Jones, an under-the-radar free agent pickup, would be a key to the Ravens winning Super Bowl XLVII.

It’s difficult to predict where players will go and which ones will have the biggest impact. However, with NFL offseason planning fully under way here are eight players who'll make offseason headlines, along with a prediction where they'll play next season.

Matt Barkley to the Cowboys? SN's Clifton Brown sees that as a possibility next season. (AP Photo)

Michael Vick

The situation: His current contract calls for the Eagles to pay him $15.5 million next season. Not happening. So here are the questions: Does new coach Chip Kelly want Vick? Is Vick willing to stay for a lesser contract?

Prediction: Vick stays with the Eagles.

The Eagles reportedly exercised a clause in Vick's contract keeping him on the roster until at least March 12. That is the first sign Kelly is open to keeping Vick. His athleticism fits the up-tempo offense Kelly ran at Oregon. And Vick already has chemistry with Eagles playmakers like LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. If Vick agrees to a more reasonable deal, it makes sense for Kelly to give Vick at least one season to make good. Nick Foles is still unproven, and the 2013 draft lacks a can’t-miss quarterback. Eagles fans that wanted to see Andy Reid sent packing got their wish. Vick may not need a moving van.

Geno Smith

The situation: Most scouts expect Smith to be the first quarterback drafted. Some believe Smith will be a solid NFL starter, worthy of being the No. 1 pick. Others question his accuracy, decision-making and mechanics, and fear he could struggle in the NFL. It’s a fascinating debate.

Prediction: The Chiefs draft Smith at No. 1.

They need a quarterback desperately. Smith is the best quarterback in the draft. Andy Reid loves working with quarterbacks and has done it well. He was in a similar situation when he became the Eagles' head coach in 1999. What did he do? He drafted Donovan McNabb. Odds are, Reid will do it again.

Alex Smith

The situation: Smith wants to start again. That won’t happen in San Francisco now that Colin Kaepernick led the 49ers to the Super Bowl. The market for Smith is there. A number of teams like the Browns, Cardinals and Chiefs would look better with Smith as their guy.

Prediction: The 49ers release Smith and he signs with the Cardinals.

That’s a scenario that would upset some 49ers fans. But even with two years left on his contract, it will be hard for the 49ers to keep Smith as a backup at $7.5 million per season knowing he wants out. The 49ers would prefer to trade Smith, rather than cut him and get nothing in return. It’s possible they could pull off a deal. But one way or another, it looks over for Smith in San Francisco, and new Cardinals coach Bruce Arians needs a quarterback. Smith could be that guy.

Matt Barkley

The situation: A sub-par senior season hurt his stock. If he elects not to throw at the Scouting Combine, those who doubt his arm strength aren't likely to be swayed. Barkley still could be a top-10 pick, but he also could fall like Aaron Rodgers did in the 2005 draft.

Prediction: Cowboys take Barkley with the 18th pick.

Doing something like this would fit Cowboy owner Jerry Jones’ style. Make a splash and groom a quarterback for the future. How far Barkley tumbles will be impacted by what happens with the two Smiths—Alex and Geno. But if he’s still around at No. 18, and he throws well at his pro day, could Jones pass on a quarterback who once was expected to be a top-five pick? The way Tony Romo has come up short in big spots? It would be interesting.

Manti Te’o

The situation: Talk about a guy having a bad 2013—getting routed in the national championship game followed by the embarrassment of the girlfriend hoax. We don’t know how much all this will hurt Te’o’s draft stock, but we know it won’t help.

Prediction: Te’o goes No. 26 to Packers.

They need help on defense, and joining a veteran team in a town that loves its team would be a good environment for Te’o.

Luke Joeckel

The situation: He’s the top left tackle in the draft, meaning the Texas A&M stud could be the No. 1 pick. Or, he could fall out of the top five if the Chiefs take Smith at No. 1.

Prediction: The Rams trade up for the Jaguars’ No. 2 pick to get Joeckel.

Quarterback Sam Bradford needs more protection and the Jaguars have holes to fill and could use an extra pick later.

Matt Flynn

The situation: The big-money free agent signing last season is stuck behind Wilson on the bench.

Prediction: Flynn stays with the Seahawks.

Even when he was a free agent last season, the market for him was not overwhelming. Watching Wilson play all season did nothing to enhance the demand for Flynn.

Tim Tebow

The situation: The Jets damaged Tebow’s marketability by refusing to start him and barely using him even when Mark Sanchez flopped. Can’t see anyone trading for Tebow. The Jets likely will cut him at some point.

Prediction: Tebow catches on as a No. 3 quarterback with Patriots.

Tebow would be reunited with his first NFL head coach, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. No chance for quarterback controversy in New England.